Eid-ul-Adha: The Muslim Festival of Sacrifice
Here’s what you need to know about it and how this practice is related to the life of our father Abraham.
For the past nine days, Muslims around the world have been in a state of devotion and today marks the day of Eid celebration. There are two Eid holidays in Islam. Eid ul Fitr which marks the end of Ramadan and Eid ul Adha which is the feast of sacrifice we are celebrating today.
Just like Ramadan, the blessed ten days are dedicated to worship and spiritual growth. These days are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah which is the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. We consider it to be a sacred period and it’s referred to as the best days of the year.
This is equally the season when Muslims perform Hajj which is a pilgrimage to the holy land in Mecca. It’s also one of the five pillars of Islam enjoined upon the believers. At times, people describe Hajj as religious tourism but in reality, it isn’t.
I shared my experience last year while I was at Umrah. This is a trip for one who is healthy, sane, wealthy, and physically fit. A practice that is done in commemoration of the activities of Prophet Ibrahim — also known as Abraham.
My first encounter with the story of Abraham and the sacrifice was not in an Islamic text. It was My Book of Bible Stories published by Watch Tower Vintage in 1978. This book was so beautiful and illustrious that it also contained the story of Moses and the splitting of the red sea.
Jonah in the belly of the whale and the miraculous battle between David and Goliath were found there as well. It was until adulthood that I discovered the stories were also related in the Qur’an with some variations though.
In this piece, I intend to share with you the life of Abraham and how it falls in line with the story of Islam. The festival of sacrifice which Muslims around the world are celebrating today is a practice taken from his lifetime.
Also, I’d highlight many acts of worship in Islam that take root in the Abrahamic lifestyle. You can’t read through his story without appreciating him. His sacrifice, his resilience, and servitude to God Almighty were all amazing. This is one of the reasons why many address him as the father of faith.
Abraham is an excellent example for many as depicted through his submission, prayers, and unshakable faith. This is why many chapters of the Qur’an are filled with stories about him. Allah addressed him as a close friend and a prophet. He was equally identified as a leader of generations.
And mention in the Book (the Quran) Abraham. Verily! He was a man of truth, a Prophet. — Qur’an 19[Mar’yam]:41
Let’s journey through some highlights of his life as mentioned in the Qur’an and how these practices remain a part of the Islamic faith to date. You as a reader may also relate to some of these points in your faith and lifestyle.
- A pure monotheist: Abraham was one man who never associated partners in worship with God Almighty. All mainstream religions lay claim to Abraham but only Islam remains a hundred percent in the practice of true monotheism today. This is why the Qur’an categorically identifies him as a Muslim.
O People of the Book (Jews and Christians)! Why do you argue about Abraham, while the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed until long after him? Do you not understand? Verily, you are those who have disputed about that of which you have knowledge. Why do you then dispute concerning that of which you have no knowledge? It is Allâh Who knows, and you know not. Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was one inclining toward truth, a Muslim — submitting to Allāh. And he was not of the polytheists. — Qur’an 3[Al-‘Imran]:65–67
2. An ideological preacher: Abraham knew that his people were idolaters therefore, he decided to be tactical in his approach to them. He would make them a reason as to how a lifeless thing cannot be a God. Then buttress his points enumerating God’s attributes and favors to His creatures.
And recite to them the story of Abraham. When he said to his father and his people: “What do you worship?”. They said: “We worship idols, and to them we are ever devoted.” He said: “Do they hear you, when you call (on them)? Or do they benefit you or do they harm (you)?” They said: “Nay, but we found our fathers doing so.” He said: “Do you observe that which you have been worshipping, you and your ancient fathers? Verily! They are enemies to me, save the Lord of the Alameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists). Who has created me, and it is He Who guides me; and it is He Who feeds me and gives me to drink. And when I am ill, it is He who cures me. And Who will cause me to die, and then will bring me to life (again). And Who, I hope will forgive me my faults on the Day of Recompense. — Qur’an 26[Shura]: 69–82
3. Dealing with his doubts: Like many of us, we have doubts in our hearts as to the purpose of existence and even if the Supreme Being is real. Abraham’s doubt had to do with the certainty of how human beings will be brought back to life after they are dead. Then he asked his Lord for a sign and God asked him to carry out an experiment. This was what ensued:
And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said, “My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead.” He (Allah) said: “Do you not believe?” He [Ibrahim (Abraham)] said: “Yes (I believe), but to be stronger in Faith.” He said: “Take four birds, then cause them to incline towards you (then slaughter them, cut them into pieces), and then put a portion of them on every hill, and call them, they will come to you in haste. And know that Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.” — Qur’an 2[Al-Baqarah]:260
4. The salutation of peace: Many of you will agree that the saying As-Salam Alaykum is a popular greeting among Muslims. This simply means: peace be onto you. This was an honorable mention by Allah to Abraham after he put him through a trial and he was triumphant.
Peace be upon Abraham. This is how We reward the good-doers. Indeed, he was of Our believing servants. And We gave him good tidings of Isaac, a prophet from among the righteous — Qur’an 37[As-Saffat]:109–112
5. The hajj rites as a right: I mentioned earlier that millions of Muslims across the globe are currently performing hajj in Mecca. Interestingly, the ka’bah which is the house of God built by Abraham was also mentioned in the book of Psalm chapter 84 of the old testament. There it was referred to as Baca and the Qur’an mentioned this as well…
Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and guidance for Al-Alameen (the mankind and jinns). In it are manifest signs (for example), the Maqam — place of Abraham; whosoever enters it, attains security. And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka’bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision, and residence); and whoever disbelieves (i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allah), then Allah stands not in need of any of the Alameen (mankind and jinns). — Quran 3[Al-Imra’n]:96–97
6. An answered supplication: So Abraham lived long until old age and he never had a child. He prayed to God to bless him with offspring and he was granted Isma’il through his other wife Sarah. After his birth, he had to journey with his family away from his residence to Mecca. This was a distant land in which there was no inhabitant at that time. Then he made the following supplications that were answered until this day:
And (remember) when Abraham said: “O my Lord! Make this city (Makkah) one of peace and security, and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols. “O, my Lord! They have indeed led astray many among mankind. But whosoever follows me, he verily is of me. And whosoever disobeys me, — still You are indeed Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Our Lord, I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near Your sacred House, our Lord, that they may establish prayer. So make hearts among the people incline toward them and provide for them from the fruits that they might be grateful. Our Lord! You certainly know what we conceal and what we reveal. Nothing on earth or in heaven is hidden from Allah. Praise to Allāh, who has granted to me in old age Ishmael and Isaac. Indeed, my Lord is the Hearer of supplication. — Qur’an 14[Ibrahim]:35–39
7. The daily prayers: Muslims are well known as people who observe the five daily prayers, washing their hands and faces while bowing with their faces to the ground. This practice was well established by many of the prophets and Abraham was one of them. The Qur’an tells us about his prayer as a continuation of the previous verse:
My Lord, make me an establisher of salat — prayer, and many from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication. Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day the judgement is established. — Qur’an 14[Ibrahim]:40–41
8. Establishing one faith: We Muslims believe all prophets were sent with the same objective of establishing the oneness of God. The case of Abraham was not different from that of Noah, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad — peace be upon them all. The Qur’an says:
He has ordained for you of religion what He enjoined upon Noah and that which We have revealed to you, [O Muḥammad], and what We enjoined upon Abraham and Moses and Jesus — to establish the religion and not be divided therein. Difficult for those who associate others with Allāh is that to which you invite them. Allāh chooses for Himself whom He wills and guides to Himself whoever turns to Him. — Qur’an 42[Ash-Shuraa]:13
9. Prophesy about the coming of Muhammad: Abraham had made a prayer that God should send to his future generation a prophet from among them. This prayer was answered by the sending of Muhammad from the descendants of his son Ismail who is the father of the Arab nations.
And (remember) when Abraham and (his son) Ishmael were raising the foundations of the House (the Kabah at Makkah), (saying), “Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily! You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. Our Lord! And make us submissive unto You and of our offspring a nation submissive unto You, and show us our Manasik (all the ceremonies of pilgrimage — Hajj and Umrah, etc.), and accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful. Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own (and indeed Allah answered their invocation by sending Muhammad Peace be upon him ), who shall recite unto them Your Verses and instruct them in the Book (this Quran) and Al-Hikmah (full knowledge of the laws and jurisprudence or wisdom or Prophethood, etc.), and sanctify them. Verily! You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” And who turns away from the religion of Abraham (i.e. Islamic Monotheism) except him who befools himself? Truly, We chose him in this world and verily, in the Hereafter he will be among the righteous. — Qur’an 2[Baqarah]:127–130
10. The sacrifice of his son: This is the main reason for which we practice the feast of sacrifice. As mentioned earlier, Abraham was an old man without a child. And after he had gotten one, he saw in a dream that he was asked to slaughter his son. The dreams of prophets are a form of revelation so he knew this was a sign from God Almighty. Abraham did not know that this was actually a trial for him and his son. Allah tells us about this ordeal in the following verses:
And he (Abraham) said: “Verily, I am going to my Lord. He will guide me! My Lord! Grant me (offspring) from the righteous.” So We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy. And, when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him, he said: “O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offering you in sacrifice to Allah), so look what you think!” He said: “O my father! Do that which you are commanded, Insha Allah (if Allah will), you shall find me of As-Sabirin (the patient ones).” Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead for slaughtering); then We called out to him: “O Abraham! You have fulfilled the dream (vision)!” Verily! Thus We reward the Muhsinoon (good-doers). Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (i.e. a ram). And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times. Salamun (peace) be upon Ibrahim (Abraham)!” Thus indeed do We reward the Muhsinoon (good-doers). Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves. — Qur’an 37[Saffat]:99–111
I used to imagine if God had told our parents to sacrifice us today, many of us would have to run away. This substitution became a blessing for humanity and Muslims emulate this practice of Abraham by slaughtering the ram as many are doing across the globe today.
One may ask: what do you do with the meat after being slaughtered? The faithful believers are expected to portion it into three parts. One is meant to be shared among the poor, another portion for entertaining your guests, and the last should be eaten by you and your household.
You may wonder: does God really need the blood or the meat? This has been answered in the Qur’an:
It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches God, but it is piety from you that reaches Him. Thus have We made them (the animal) subject to you that you may magnify God for His Guidance to you. And give glad tidings to the doers of good. — Qur’an 22[Hajj]:37
Finally, one of the things I really love about Abraham that make him unique among other prophets is his supplications. All the prayers he made were well represented in the Qur’an and could serve as a blueprint for you. I will leave you with this beautiful one which I ask God to grant me and you:
“My Lord! Grant me wisdom, and join me with the righteous. Bless me with an honorable mention among later generations. And make me one of the inheritors of the Paradise of Delight. And forgive my father, verily he is of the erring. And do not disgrace me on the Day all creatures will be resurrected. The Day when neither wealth nor children will be of any benefit. Except him who comes to Allâh with a clean heart (free from polytheism and hypocrisy).” — Qur’an 26[Ash-Shuara]:83–89
